Kolach (cake)

Kolache with apricot filling

A kolache (also spelled kolace, kolach, or kolacky, from the Czech plural koláče) is a type of pastry consisting of fillings ranging from fruits to meats to cheeses inside a bread roll. Originally only a sweet dessert from Central Europe, they have become popular in parts of the United States, especially in Texas, where the meat-filled versions, such as those made with sausage and jalapeños, apparently originated. Several cities, including Prague, Oklahoma and Caldwell, Texas, hold annual Kolache Festival celebrations, while Montgomery, Minnesota claims to be the "kolacky capital of the world"[1] and holds an annual festival known as "Kolacky Days"[2]. Verdigre, Nebraska stakes the same claim,[3] with a similarly named festival. Prague, Nebraska is commonly known as the home of the world's largest kolache.

It was the sweet chosen to represent the Czech Republic in the Café Europe initiative of the Austrian presidency of the European Union, on Europe Day 2006.

Ethnic bakeries in the Chicagoland area produce kolache for sale in grocery stores.

In Texas, several restaurants and bakeries specialize in kolaches; one popular area is the central Texas community of West, which has a large Czech population (see the Czech Stop link below). These restaurants and bakeries now sell varieties for all meals of the day and include versions such as Philly cheesesteak, ranchero, and chocolate cream cheese.

External links

• A Kolache Recipe for the Novice
• Kolache Factory
• Czech Stop
• Kolo Kitchen